Fishguard sorting office saved

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THE fight to keep Fishguard sorting office open has ended in triumph.

Discussions between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union have reached an agreement enabling the Fishguard office to stay open.

Union members opposed the Royal Mail’s plans to move services to Merlins Bridge and raised concerns about the extra distance staff would have to travel.

They also feared that jobs and services could be under threat. Many residents voiced concerns, with 5,000 adding their signatures to a petition.

CWU branch secretary Gary Williams said: “This is good news for our members and customers who can now look forward to continued quality postal services.”

Mr Williams added that the Royal Mail faced challenging times, but closing the Fishguard office was not the answer.

Ian Edwards, Royal Mail director of collections and delivery, said: “Senior representatives from Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union have met again to discuss the proposed merger of Fishguard Delivery Office into Haverfordwest Delivery Office.

“During the review, further efficiencies were identified at Fishguard. As a result, it was agreed that the sorting office facility would remain at Fishguard. It was also agreed that the arrangement for undelivered mail items to be collected from Fishguard Post Office would continue.”

Dai Thomas, CWU area delivery rep, said: “The public in the Fishguard and Goodwick area have been terrific in supporting us. It’s a tremendous result for the area and the community.”

The union stated it was grateful to county councillors Moira Lewis and Myles Pepper, Mayor Richard Davies and Pat Davies for their support during the campaign.

Cllr Moira Lewis said: “It’s absolutely wonderful news.

“It will protect jobs and be a boost to the town to keep the work here.”

Cllr Myles Pepper said: “It’s a victory for common sense.

“If we want a happy community we have to have a happy work force.”